Kent Cricket have announced the appointment of Simon Cook as the Club’s Director of Cricket from 1st October 2023.

The appointment follows a robust recruitment process, led by a selection panel appointed by the Club’s Board, and supported by a number of expert advisors.

Former Kent seamer Cook originally joined the county as a player in 2005, making over 200 appearances as a Kent player over seven years and winning two trophies, before re-joining as Bowling Coach in 2019.

A Capped Player for the Club (Number 202), he will replace Paul Downton, who is retiring at the end of the season.

46-year-old Cook has previously served as National Head Coach and High Performance Manager for Hong Kong‘s international side.

Since returning to Kent as the Club’s Lead Bowling Coach, Cook has overseen the development of the specialist fast bowling programme for Kent’s County Age Group and Academy squads.

In 2022, he took on the role of Kent’s Interim Men’s Head Coach during the Kent Spitfires’ victorious One-Day Cup campaign and performed the same role in the recent 2023 competition.

Kent Cricket’s Chair, Simon Philip, said: “Simon was the outstanding candidate throughout the very rigorous selection process.

“He provided a compelling and clear vision of how he wants the Club to move forward from the Pathway to the First XI, allied to a very strong view of the brand of cricket that he wants the Club to play.

“His existing knowledge as player and coach will prove invaluable in delivering his vision.

“I’m sure that all Members and Supporters will welcome Simon to his new role.”

Picture supplied by Kent Cricket.